The Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) is an international human rights treaty that supplements the 1984 United Nations Convention Against Torture. It establishes a preventive inspection system for places of detention and is modeled after the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, established in 1987.
Key Facts
- Adopted by: UN General Assembly on 18 December 2002
- Entered into force: 22 June 2006
- Parties (as of June 2024): 94
- Signatories: 11
Purpose
OPCAT seeks to prevent torture and ill-treatment by:
- Allowing for regular international and national visits to places where people are deprived of their liberty
- Encouraging transparency and accountability
- Providing recommendations to improve the treatment and conditions of detainees
Historical Background
- 1977: The idea for global torture prevention was initiated by Jean-Jacques Gautier and the Swiss Committee for the Prevention of Torture (now Association for the Prevention of Torture, APT).
- The original UN Convention Against Torture (1984) lacked robust enforcement tools—such as unannounced inspections.
- 1987: The Council of Europe adopted the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, establishing the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).
- Its successful model of inspections, reports, and recommendations helped gain support for a global mechanism.
- This eventually led to OPCAT, opened for signatures in 2002.
- Came into force upon 20 ratifications in 2006.
Ratification Status (as of June 2024)
✅ 94 Ratifying States, including:
- Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, etc.
- Europe: France, Germany, UK, Italy, Sweden, etc.
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, USA (not ratified), Mexico, Uruguay, etc.
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, etc.
✍️ 11 Signatories (Not Ratified):
- Belgium
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ireland
- Sierra Leone
- Timor-Leste
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Angola
See Also
Istanbul Protocol(https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/manual-effective-investigation-and-documentation-torture-and-other)
A UN manual for effective investigation and documentation of torture.International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
Global network of rehabilitation centres and experts.Center for Victims of Torture (CVT)(https://www.cvt.org/)
US-based NGO providing rehabilitation services and advocacy.
External Links
- 📄 Full Text of the Protocol – UN OHCHR(https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/optional-protocol-convention-against-torture)
- 🌍 Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)(https://www.apt.ch/)
- 📊 List of Parties (archived)(https://web.archive.org/web/20130213032513/http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-9-b&chapter=4&lang=en)
- 💠 Center for Victims of Torture (CVT)(https://www.cvt.org/)